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Yes the TOA would have to be 2nd hand an even then it would be close to 50% more than the Esprit. Perhaps a TOA 130 may be a better comparison despite being smaller in aperture.
TOA optics from what I understand and have seen are the most perfect triplet optics available on any scope. But strangely I often see TOA scopes sold so owners don't always hold onto them. They are front heavy though I don't see that as a big issue, they may be (I don't know) temperature sensitive but perhaps they may go out of collimation more easily than other scopes. Either way you see them commonly for sale unlike AP scopes.
Another source to evaluate the Esprit would be the German optician Dr Rohr who posts rigorous tests on various scopes.
I must say I am impressed by the fact the Esprit is an airspaced triplet. They are rare. The TOA scopes are air spaced triplets but the 3rd element is a long way back not close together.
Most triplets are oil spaced as they are a lot easier to make as the optician only has to figure 2 faces rather than 6.
Greg.
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